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Pancreas Divisum aftermath

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holly32822
holly32822

I had acute pancreatitis back in 2005, unable to determine what the cause was, they reluctantly removed my gallbladder spite seeing no signs of gallstones. After surgery to remove my gallbladder, the pancreatitis worsened & my levels got much worse. I was then sent by ambulance to Johns Hopkins for an ERCP where they found I had pancreas divisum.

I then had another surgery to place a stent in 1 of the blocked ducts & was told I should never have any other issues.

Every year since 2005, I have 1 or 2 episodes of severe pancreatitis type pain. I'm always reluctant to go to the hospital as I was told "it should never be an issue" but that type of pain is unmistakable.

Several times I have gone to the hospital & after checking my levels I do Not show that I have pancreatitis.

My question, I have been feeling that pancreatitis type pain for the past few days & I am very reluctant to go to the hospital as I don't imagine they'll find increased levels as the rest of the visits have shown yet I'm worried if it is just a "flare up" of symptomatic pancreatitis pain, can that cause damage to my pancreas even if no pancreatitis is found?

Any ideas or advice for me?

Holly

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Shortie79
    Shortie79 holly32822

    Posted

    Hi Holly, 

    I have recently been diagnosed with Pancreas Divisum. I went through a years worth of testing before the diagnosis but what I found before PD was I also have atrophy of my pancreas. I have never been diagnosed with acute/chronic pancreatitis but yet my pancreas has already atrophied (irreversible degeneration of the pancreas usually associated with chronic pancreatitis). My blood work appears normal however if your pancreas is damaged enough then it won't show up in blood. If you have high cholesterol, your blood work can appear normal as well. From what I have read a stent is a temporary fix and can get clogged just like our pancreatic ducts. You can feel pancreatitis pain and not necessarily show it in your blood. If your Pancreas Divisum is flaring up, I would go to the doctors. I hope you feel better soon. 

  • Lindy1234
    Lindy1234 holly32822

    Posted

    I feel your pain.

    I have been to ER twice in the last three weeks with acute pain from my mid stomach to my back.  I've They ran all tests--nothing. Blood work--enzymes elevated a hair otherwise normal. The ER Dr. diagnosed it as acute pancreatitis, the on-call gastro as gastroparesis which i do have. But this was different. I was dehydrated so they gave me fluids and morphine for 2 days clear liquids for one. I was starting to feel a little better then they fed me lunch of chicken and carrots and discharged me. They let me out too soon and never should have given me solid food. Well, by the next day I was right back in the same shape. After several days when I couldn't stand the pain any longer I went to the ER again. They gave me fluids and morphine, kept me over night and discharged me. I am so frustrated. I see my gastro today and I am going to have a serious conversation. Supposed to have the HIDDA test on Thurs. Have been living on Ensure, almond milk and protein powder for over 2 weeks. Something's got to give!

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